Newk Grubb was born on August 14, 1932, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. He was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC Program at Penn State University on January 31, 1955, and went on active duty beginning May 7, 1955. Grubb graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Webb AFB, Texas, in June 1956. After completing advanced flying school in the F-86 Sabre, he was assigned to the 337th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Westover AFB, Massachusetts, from December 1956 to December 1960. He transitioned into the F-104 Starfighter while serving with the 337th. Capt Grubb then transferred to the 38th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, first at Toul-Rosieres AB, France, and then at Ramstein AB, West Germany, where he served until August 1964. During this time he flew the RF-84 Thunderstreak and RF-101 Voodoo. He then served with the 29th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, from August 1964 to November 1965, when he deployed to Southeast Asia. Grubb flew RF-101 Voodoo reconnaissance aircraft with the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Tan Son Nhut AB in the Republic of Vietnam from November 1965 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on January 26, 1966. He was reported by the Communist North Vietnamese government to have died in captivity on February 4, 1966, and his remains were returned to the United States on March 13, 1974. Newk Grubb was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel during the time he was listed as a Prisoner of War. He and his wife Evelyn Grubb (1931-2005) are buried together at Arlington National Cemetery. They had four children together-Jeffrey, Roland, Van, and Roy.

Epitaph For A Hero

If I should perish overseas
In service to my Land
I shall have died a noble death--
Let none misunderstand.

I hope my body will be found,
Returned back to my home,
Where it was nourished and inspired--
No more to yearn, or roam.

Home is the soldier then from the war
Back to his family;
Home is the patriot at last,
Buried in majesty.

Pause, visitor, and cast a glance,
Upon a hero's grave;
Be thankful to breathe Freedom's air,
For which his life he gave.